“Christina,” Mimi said seriously, “we want you to know we’re aware of what a burden we’re placing on you, asking you to make Oscar change his mind. We can’t be with you in body—I believe he’ll be much more receptive to you than he would be to the gang of us. But we want to give you something to take with you so you’ll know we’re there with you in spirit.”

Mimi handed Christina a small velvet box. Christina opened it to find a gold snowflake on a chain. “Mimi! You didn’t have to do this.”

“Wouldn’t have done it if I’d had to.” Mimi chuckled. “Here, let me fasten it around your neck.”

“And I’m giving you my uncle’s ancient briefcase.” Jacob brought out a handsome, scuffed leather briefcase. “You can carry it into the meeting with Oscar this evening looking professional. You won’t look like someone who deals in stuffed bunnies. You’ll look like a businesswoman who can do her own taxes and knows the value of a dollar.”

Tears flooded Christina’s eyes. “This is a wonderful gift, Jacob. Thank you. I’m going to feel powerful and proud with this in my hand.”

“Harriet?” Mimi prodded.

Harriet could scarcely look away from the briefcase. Almost grudgingly, she said, “Okay, Christina. Here’s my offering. It’s a vintage Hermès scarf. Worth a fortune. Actually, it will go well with what you’re wearing.” She rose, tied the scarf around Christina’s neck, and adjusted it so that it hung perfectly.

“Thank you, Harriet,” Christina said.

“You’re welcome—strings are attached. If you get him to keep the rent stable, you can keep it. If you fail, I get it back.”

Christina burst out laughing. “Agreed!” She looked from person to person. “Thank you all. These will be my good luck charms.”

“Let us know what happens,” Mimi said.

“I will. I promise.”

The group broke up to return to their shops, which was a good thing, because it seemed everyone in town was shopping.

Chapter 11

Christina closed her shop and hurried down to her car, parked on the bottom of Main Street. She’d taken care with her clothes that morning, wearing a navy blue pantsuit that she thought made her look professional, the owner of a viable business, not just a young woman playing with toys. Now with the briefcase, the gold charm, and the Hermès scarf, Christina felt two inches taller and fifty IQ points smarter. She was good to go!

While her car warmed up, she pulled off the Uggs that had kept her feet warm all day and put on a pair of low-heeled shoes. She freshened her lipstick and mascara. She stared at her reflection in the rearview mirror and said, “Good luck.”